The Hope of Life After Death: A Biblical Theology of Resurrection

by M. Jeff Brannon, Benjamin L. Gladd (Editor)

Overview

In a world full of suffering and death, humans long for abundant life. Christians understand that in Christ God saves us from sin. But salvation must also include much more: being rescued from death, physical resurrection, and new life in the new creation.

In this ESBT volume, Jeff Brannon explores how the hope of life after death is woven throughout Scripture—even in unexpected places. In the biblical narrative, the themes of life, death, and resurrection correspond with the biblical-theological categories of creation, fall, and redemption. As we follow these themes, Brannon shows, we gain a fuller understanding of the doctrine of resurrection and what it means for Christian faith and discipleship. Jesus' resurrection and the future resurrection of his followers truly changes everything.

Essential Studies in Biblical Theology (ESBT), edited by Benjamin L. Gladd, explore the central or "essential" themes of the Bible's grand storyline. Taking cues from Genesis 1–3, authors trace the presence of these themes throughout the entire sweep of redemptive history. Written for students, church leaders, and laypeople, the ESBT offers an introduction to biblical theology.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780830855322
Publisher:	IVP Academic
Publication date:	11/15/2022
Series:	Essential Studies in Biblical Theology
Sold by:	Bookwire
Format:	eBook
Pages:	200
File size:	3 MB

About the Author

M. Jeff Brannon (PhD, Edinburgh) is professor of biblical studies and chair of the biblical studies and Christian ministries department at Belhaven University. He is the author of The Heavenlies in Ephesians.

M. Jeff Brannon (PhD, Edinburgh) is professor of biblical studies and chair of the biblical studies and Christian ministries department at Belhaven University. He is the author of The Heavenlies in Ephesians.

Benjamin L. Gladd received a PhD in Biblical and Theological studies from Wheaton College in Wheaton, IL. He currently serves as Assistant Professor of New Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi, and previously served as an adjunct faculty member at Wheaton College, teaching New Testament exegesis and interpretation, Greek, and introductory courses on the Old and New Testaments. Gladd is the author of Revealing the Mysterion and lives with his wife and two children.

Table of Contents

Series Preface
Author's Preface
Introduction
1. Creation and Life
2. The Fall: Death and God's Promise of Redemption
3. The Unfolding Promise of Life in the Pentateuch and Historical Books
4. Sayings and Songs of Life and Resurrection
5. Prophecies of Resurrection
6. Jesus' Life, Ministry, and Death on the Cross
7. The Resurrection of Jesus
8. The Church Raised to New Life
9. Future Resurrection
10. Concluding Thoughts on Resurrection Life
Recommendations for Further Reading
Discussion Questions
Name Index
Scripture Index

What People are Saying About This

Steve Brown

"Sometimes I discover a book that changes everything about how I thought about the subject of the book. Jeff Brannon's book, The Hope of Life After Death, is that kind of book. It is encyclopedic (everything you would ever want to know about the resurrection), biblical (a journey from Genesis to Revelation), and scholarly without being stuffy. But even better, it is filled with hope based in the reality of Christ's resurrection—hope for the world, for the church, and personal hope for me and those I love. If you're looking for some good news in what sometimes feels like a hopeless time, read this book. It (as does the resurrection itself) changes everything."

Richard L Pratt Jr.

"Dr. Jeff Brannon has given us a far-reaching explanation of the biblical foundations for the Christian confession, 'I believe in the resurrection of the dead.' He traces the developments of the themes of life, death, and resurrection throughout the Old Testament. He also examines how the New Testament proclaims that these themes are fulfilled in Christ and the general resurrection at Christ's return. His style will benefit both biblical scholars and motivated laypeople. It is a magnificent gift to us all."

Scott Sauls

"Ever since death became part of the human experience, God has sent forth the promise—through various messengers and means—that death will not be the end of life but rather its true beginning. From Genesis to the Prophets to the New Testament and everything in between, Jeff does a masterful job of showing us that for every believer in Christ, the long-term worst-case scenario is not gloom and doom but everlasting life to the full. In short, this is a book of hope."

O. Palmer Robertson

"Jeff Brannon's treatment of resurrection life more than amply provides what it promises: a biblical theology of resurrection, tracing the hope of resurrection throughout Scripture and redemptive history. Not merely a treatment of isolated instances of resurrections in the Bible, this rich study convincingly places resurrection squarely in the larger themes of creation and redemption. It inspires authentic hope of new life in Christ both in this life and in that which is to come. A refreshing and convincing read."

Editorial Reviews

"Jeff Brannon's treatment of resurrection life more than amply provides what it promises: a biblical theology of resurrection, tracing the hope of resurrection throughout Scripture and redemptive history. Not merely a treatment of isolated instances of resurrections in the Bible, this rich study convincingly places resurrection squarely in the larger themes of creation and redemption. It inspires authentic hope of new life in Christ both in this life and in that which is to come. A refreshing and convincing read."

O. Palmer Robertson

"Sometimes I discover a book that changes everything about how I thought about the subject of the book. Jeff Brannon's book, The Hope of Life After Death, is that kind of book. It is encyclopedic (everything you would ever want to know about the resurrection), biblical (a journey from Genesis to Revelation), and scholarly without being stuffy. But even better, it is filled with hope based in the reality of Christ's resurrection—hope for the world, for the church, and personal hope for me and those I love. If you're looking for some good news in what sometimes feels like a hopeless time, read this book. It (as does the resurrection itself) changes everything."

Steve Brown

"Dr. Jeff Brannon has given us a far-reaching explanation of the biblical foundations for the Christian confession, 'I believe in the resurrection of the dead.' He traces the developments of the themes of life, death, and resurrection throughout the Old Testament. He also examines how the New Testament proclaims that these themes are fulfilled in Christ and the general resurrection at Christ's return. His style will benefit both biblical scholars and motivated laypeople. It is a magnificent gift to us all."

Richard L Pratt Jr.

"Ever since death became part of the human experience, God has sent forth the promise—through various messengers and means—that death will not be the end of life but rather its true beginning. From Genesis to the Prophets to the New Testament and everything in between, Jeff does a masterful job of showing us that for every believer in Christ, the long-term worst-case scenario is not gloom and doom but everlasting life to the full. In short, this is a book of hope."

Scott Sauls